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King Crimson — I Talk To The Wind
Album: In The Court of the Crimson King
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2346









Released: 1969
Length: 6:02
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Said the straight man to the late man
Where have you been
I've been here and I've been there
And I've been in between.

I talk to the wind
My words are all carried away
I talk to the wind
The wind does not hear
The wind cannot hear.

I'm on the outside looking inside
What do I see
Much confusion, disillusion
All around me.

You don't possess me
Don't impress me
Just upset my mind
Can't instruct me or conduct me
Just use up my time

I talk to the wind
My words are all carried away
I talk to the wind
The wind does not hear
The wind cannot hear.
Comments (126)add comment
Thanks for the lyrics Peter! RIP.

Original Demo version here.
PSD from Einaudi to King Crimson.  Canonical "ridiculous to the sublime".
The greatest thing about music is it can bring back memories - I recall the very first time I hear this album and it was in '69 - I know where I was and who I was with - how fantastic is that - just 8 notes and a few octaves!
 Ipse_Dixit wrote:
Great flute solo


I scrolled down and saw this video just as the flute solo started, which made it exceptionally funny.  
"Yo, wind, what up?"
Yep.  Already voted 10.  The world can continue to spin into the heavens ....
 Signwrtr61 wrote:
The music part, I agree! But, I tell ya... that cover art, even though done in comic character style, is one grossly disgusting looking mug! What nightmares are made of! 


It's probably one of the most iconic album covers ever - a wonderful watercolor by the way.
 Signwrtr61 wrote:
The music part, I agree! But, I tell ya... that cover art, even though done in comic character style, is one grossly disgusting looking mug! What nightmares are made of! 




I bought the album in 1970. I was 15yrs old. My mom liked the music, but she absolutely HATED  the album cover!   LOL!  Fond Memories!   
The segue from Grieg's Morning Mood was masterful. 
 dirtbagpook wrote:
The whole album is a work of art. {#Clap}
The music part, I agree! But, I tell ya... that cover art, even though done in comic character style, is one grossly disgusting looking mug! What nightmares are made of! 

Takes me back to a bit - and what an iconic cover.
In 1968 they could hardly  "draw inspiration from heavy metal, gamelan, industrial, electronic, experimental music and new wave."   Better to say " heavy metal, gamelan, industrial, electronic, experimental music and new wave were all influenced by KC 
A sublime song to listen to while driving in to work late. The song captures my sentiments well.
 WWWillie wrote:

Oh man, it's been too long. This album has made its way into my DNA, been listening to this since I was 15,  52 years. . . 




Same here! I was 15yrs old when I bought the album in 1970. WNEW FM 102.7 NYC used to play it a lot.  The late night DJ, Allison Steele loved it . Thanx RP!  
 WWWillie wrote:

Oh man, it's been too long. This album has made its way into my DNA, been listening to this since I was 15,  52 years. . . 



Greetings Crim brother.
You got me to do the math. I was 16 when I bought the album in '69 and have been a diehard fan for 54 years now. And I'm happy to say I got to see the seven and eight headed beast twice in their final years.
Long live the King. Easy 10 and one band that deserves a 10+ rating.
Incredible then and today.
 dirtbagpook wrote:
The whole album is a work of art. {#Clap}



I Agree!
Oh man, it's been too long. This album has made its way into my DNA, been listening to this since I was 15,  52 years. . . 
 tm wrote:

In my recent musical research adventures I have been diving into KC, Yes, Roxy Music and so on...  This album a 10.  This song is a 10 and Greg Lake's voice is perfect here.   




I Agree completely!!  Thanx RP!  
 jmddj wrote:

Greg Lake’s incomparable voice made this whole album an amazing recoding- ITTTW, 21st Century Schizoid Man (and the amazing bass dexterity!), Epitaph, Court of the Crimson King—- such a classic album!


Agree completely. Greg had one of the all-time great voices.  Amazing that just one short year after this album came out, the first Emerson, Lake and Palmer album was released. And he somehow managed to squeeze in In The Wake of Poseidon in between!   R.I.P. Greg.
just had to look up the year Walking on Air came out....
 itsme_bygolly wrote:

Said the Late Man to the Straight Man, "I can't find my keys."


They were in the fridge, where they belonged!!   LOL!

Said the Late Man to the Straight Man, "I can't find my keys."
In my recent musical research adventures I have been diving into KC, Yes, Roxy Music and so on...  This album a 10.  This song is a 10 and Greg Lake's voice is perfect here.   
 TreyCowhig wrote:

Put me to sleep!


No problem!!  Take a "Chill Pill"  ...and hold a "My Pillow"  over your face!!  

Put me to sleep!
This album cover reminds me of when my three-year old put a chickpea up his nose. Something I would rather kind of forget.
GREAT TUNE!!!   Thanx RP!
Great flute solo
1969/1970/1971... what an incredible time for music, and especially prog rock.  Strange to think just 10 years earlier so much of music was doo-wop and rockabilly.
One of the first albums I purchased after getting stationed in the SF Bay Area in 1971. Was fortunate to see them live at Winterland. Simply amazing album.
PLEASE PLAY ALL OF THE TUNES FROM THIS ALBUM!!!  Thank You!!!

I wonder if when they recorded this they new in the future there would be an internet radio station with a 'mellow mix?'
And one day this song would be played on it forcing me to have to get up and say "this is way to mellow even for a mellow mix....geesh"


The incredible voice of Greg Lake. Few like it.
brilliant album and top tune…
Had this record as a teen, and I'm left as cold by it now as I was then.
Greg Lake’s incomparable voice made this whole album an amazing recoding- ITTTW, 21st Century Schizoid Man (and the amazing bass dexterity!), Epitaph, Court of the Crimson King—- such a classic album!
Oh man, you gotta love this! Radio Paradise keeps on spinning the hits..
every time I hear this… its gorgeous and I actually prefer Belew’s input into KC.  And I am dumb for saying that after doing so much new study and listening.  I love them all now.
This cover art was on one of the walls of A4-3rd when I moved into residence in January '77. I had no idea what it was until years later. WCRI on Phillip St., at the University of Waterloo.
 kbs wrote:
 
Demonstrating the ideal stance for a Covid swab!



This as a facemask is attention-getting; except very few people recognize it.
...and King Crimson is still touring in 2021!

Frippertronics 4ever!
 kbs wrote:
 
Demonstrating the ideal stance for a Covid swab!


Yeah that was pretty much my reaction.
 jlind wrote:

Starting at 8... might pop to a 9



Just did!
 On_The_Beach wrote:
"Time for your colonoscopy."
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/In_the_Court_of_the_Crimson_King_-_40th_Anniversary_Box_Set_-_Front_cover.jpeg
 

"nope, not that hole...."
 On_The_Beach wrote:
"Time for your colonoscopy."
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/In_the_Court_of_the_Crimson_King_-_40th_Anniversary_Box_Set_-_Front_cover.jpeg
Demonstrating the ideal stance for a Covid swab!

Starting at 8... might pop to a 9
Sublime.
 fredriley wrote:
Boy, are those guys out of tune! Even my tin ears can pick that up. TFFPSD
 
Your ears are of purest tin.  They aren't out of tune.
 kcar wrote:


The film "Children of Men" used the song in a great, great scene--a mashup of Pink Floyd imagery from the "Pigs" era with King Crimson as the soundtrack. Powerful scene, wrenching and adrenaline-inducing movie. 
 
I remember jumping out of my seat when I saw that awesome imagery of the pig floating in the background.  Awesome easter egg in the movie.   The director must be a proper prog fan. 
interesting (sad) background on that album cover. 

From wikipedia: Barry Godber (1946–1970), a computer programmer, painted the design for the album cover. Godber died in February 1970 from a heart attack, shortly after the album's release. It was his only album cover; the original painting is now owned by Fripp 
 ScottishWillie wrote:
First fell in love with this track listening on a Dansette record player. Little did I know then how much I was missing acoustically. Ironically as a 58 year old man (with a 58 year old mans hearing), what I hear now is probably pretty close to what I heard then in spite of my expensive sound system. What goes around comes around!

 
In 69 I used to work in the factory production line in Stanmore. Those players were awful, even for back then. Still better than Crosley though!
With this lovely mix of the last hour or so, how did Bill know it was Friday morning in the UK?

Been a while since I bunged another twenty quid in the pot. Doing that now. It's worth a lot more.

GreatNorthWoods wrote:
We haven't heard The Court of the Crimson King in a very long time. Please add this to your play list again.


 
joejennings wrote:

Right On!
 

YES! The full-length version, please. Bill, I know you don't like playing the full-length of The Chambers Brothers "Time Has Come Today" but The Court of the Crimson King deserves more than a cut-down FM version. 

The film "Children of Men" used the song in a great, great scene--a mashup of Pink Floyd imagery from the "Pigs" era with King Crimson as the soundtrack. Powerful scene, wrenching and adrenaline-inducing movie. 
Great song from a great album that seems timeless.  Fripp's guitar work is excellent and not overstated.
 GreatNorthWoods wrote:
We haven't heard The Court of the Crimson King in a very long time. Please add this to your play list again. 
 
Right On!
I love this album! ....Great album! ..I bought this right after it came out! .....the album cover scared the heck out of my mom!
I never grow tired of hearing this.  Absolutely beautiful.
Way to go deep on this album bill.
An 8, partly for the album cover.
I've seen the current 3 drummer lineup live twice and they are capable of playing songs from any time in KC's long history.

So cool to hear Islands and Starless and Neurotica live.
 Kilroy wrote:
Is this Ron Burgundy on flute? Amazing!
 
HAHA!  The minute that thought came to my mind I saw your comment.  
Awesome stuff!  So noce to revisit!
SHAT!
We haven't heard The Court of the Crimson King in a very long time. Please add this to your play list again. 
I went to Japan tour. It was awesome{#Jump}
Is this Ron Burgundy on flute? Amazing!
That is a god like instrumental piece
 LowPhreak wrote:
Always thought it was a prog fan's reaction when told there'll be 2:48 minute pop ditties and commercialized, corporate trash on most radio until the end of time.
 
Hey, you dissin' Bieber? That's Catalytic's fave music! You'll hurt his feelings.
 Catalytic wrote:
I can only imagine the album cover is an artist's rendition of someone being forced to listen to this crap. 

 
Always thought it was a prog fan's reaction when told there'll be 2:48 minute pop ditties and commercialized, corporate trash on most radio until the end of time.
I can only imagine the album cover is an artist's rendition of someone being forced to listen to this crap. 
Long time no hear
First fell in love with this track listening on a Dansette record player. Little did I know then how much I was missing acoustically. Ironically as a 58 year old man (with a 58 year old mans hearing), what I hear now is probably pretty close to what I heard then in spite of my expensive sound system. What goes around comes around!

some fantastic Brubeck earlier this mornin' and now this beautiful song, thank you so much!  : )
I love the album ... huge nostalgia value.  

But frankly the rough synthesizer and production values in a few places on the album make it sound a tad dated.  There I said it. 
 raga wrote:
Surely this is Godlike

 
I didn't have this rated till now and I paused on 9 before going for the Godlike 10....for the flute alone
 LowPhreak wrote:
Love the Crimsters.

Please put some Gentle Giant into the rotation as well, Bill. :)

 
Please upload a song from Gentle Giant that you think will appeal to RP listeners, and of course, the DJ.
Surely this is Godlike
This song is welcome on the album - a nice breather from the wild experimentation all around it.  But by itself it is kind of a snoozer.  Greg Lake's voice is nice but that about does it.  This certainly is not what people are looking for when approaching King Crimson.
I'm sorry that some people don't get KC.
If you are here you have more than a passing fancy to music.
Music is our life blood.

Since when do lyrics have to make sense?

You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
Well, you ain't never caught no rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine

Aint that deep?

More Crimson please.
Thanks !. even today , its a wonderful example of understating..from the drumming, Ian Mcdonalds Flute , the mellotron (?) the vocals , Greg Lakes bass...and the engineering.. today, this recording would be pushed and lose its earthy, organic , and be pushed into your sensibility, rather than letting it surround you..

And don't you love the coda.. its got swing..

well done !!

for those who don't like  it, give your ears and heart another chance...

 
Emperor's new clothes, perhaps, but this sounds bad to my ears.  Stoners away...
This was de rigueur back in college days.  I grew mightily sick of it.  Still am.  It was music like this that made groups like the Ramones, Pretenders, Police and B-52s such a breath of fresh air by the end of the 70's..
Gawd I wish the PSD button was available when listening via Sonos/TuneIn. Please end...
You don't possess me
Don't impress me
Just upset my mind
Can't instruct me or conduct me
Just use up my time

Pretty much sums up my feelings about this song. Not the best KC song or album by a long shot.

But I do wholeheartedly agree about the lack of Gentle Giant, expressed below.
yes a truly great album
Love the Crimsters.

Please put some Gentle Giant into the rotation as well, Bill. :)
 Stingray wrote:
I saw the new KING CRIMSON (Bruford, Fripp, Levin and Belew) LIVE a few years back
and was BLOWN AWAY like hardly ever before!

JUST MAGIC! WOOOW! 

 
A 'few" years ago? That was the line-up in 1981!
I saw them and they were great - as you say.
I have only ever heard the cover version of this song by Waldeck.....  Never knew it was a cover until now!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKn2COFpYmk&list=RDQKn2COFpYmk#t=62


What a classic under appreciated band....
Yeah more KC please.  3 Of A Perfect Pair, Red, Thrak, Starless, bring it on
Now this brings back memories.. And good ones..{#Laughing}
ShaunJ wrote:
Fripp has the Crim back on tour! Three drummers {#Drummer}
   

On_The_Beach wrote:

I love KC but 3 drummers is verging on Spinal Tap territory!
In case one (or two) chokes on someone else's vomit?  ; )

 
Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported.

Sign:

King Crimson running third on the playbill? 
 Proclivities wrote:

I believe it is Greg Lake singing lead vocal on this number — a year or two before ELP was formed.

 
True - sounds very much so!
VERY ELP-ish indeed! 
 d48m02h wrote:
Best album cover EVER!!! {#Daisy}

 
This must be pure (and rather evil) irony!!!
Didn't really like them in the 70's ether, oh well. 
I saw the new KING CRIMSON (Bruford, Fripp, Levin and Belew) LIVE a few years back
and was BLOWN AWAY like hardly ever before!

JUST MAGIC! WOOOW! 
 ShaunJ wrote:
Fripp has the Crim back on tour! Three drummers {#Drummer}
 
I love KC but 3 drummers is verging on Spinal Tap territory!
In case one (or two) chokes on someone else's vomit?  ; )
 blotto wrote:
Weird, RP played a KC song yesterday that made me feel like listening to a bunch of it, so I watched KC for a few hours on youtube.


Someone in the comments yesterday mentioned KC is happening again soon, with the drummer from Porcupine tree. Interesting.
 

 
Yes, the tour started last night in N.Y. Gavin Harrison is one of the drummers.
Weird, RP played a KC song yesterday that made me feel like listening to a bunch of it, so I watched KC for a few hours on youtube.


Someone in the comments yesterday mentioned KC is happening again soon, with the drummer from Porcupine tree. Interesting.
 
Very nice, good memeories!
 On_The_Beach wrote:
"Time for your colonoscopy."
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0c/In_the_Court_of_the_Crimson_King.jpgFripp has the Crim back on tour! Three drummers {#Drummer}

 


Got a cup of coffee in front of me and yet I'm nearly as sleepy as the singer. Boring. I'm going to.... zzzzzzzzzzzz
The whole album is a work of art. {#Clap}
"Time for your colonoscopy."
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/In_the_Court_of_the_Crimson_King_-_40th_Anniversary_Box_Set_-_Front_cover.jpeg
Great call, Bill. (And thanks for the upload, whomever.)
You said it! Far out, man. 

I have been listening to this song, this album since I was about 10 years old. Epitaph's probably my favorite cut from the album, but this ranks high, too.
Like, wow man!
what  a terrific song. you've made my day with this.
any classic prog would be most welcome

thanks 
Best album cover EVER!!! {#Daisy}
 scarletdancer wrote:
Nice.  Sounds like ELP meets Moody Blues.

 
I believe it is Greg Lake singing lead vocal on this number — a year or two before ELP was formed.
I'd say you've lost your mind, had you had one.
Stay trailered, my friend.



jhorton wrote:
OMG I can't believe this is King Crimson! Maybe the WORST SONG i ever heard on RP!

 

 


1972. Freshman year of college. LSD, cosmic confusion, tumult, the heaviest of times.... this serene harmonic masterwork.....
Thank you RP for bringing this back to life !!!!
Nice.  Sounds like ELP meets Moody Blues.
Too bad the recording sounds so muffled/compressed.

sweeter with age


Love it!
 ThePoose wrote:
Frippin' great!
 
I saw what you did there. 
 coloradojohn wrote:
Amazing song!

 
Godlike, in fact.
Amazing song! I recall every time I've ever heard it, including a time in mid-'80s playing pool at the CU Memorial Center with a class-mate after class; we scored 2 full pitchers of Happy Hour beer, we each chugged a whopping mug, and started The Games. This came on, and we grinned. Sometimes, you just can't beat a good dose of King Crimson! Indiscipline continues to surprise me, after all these years, btw!
 jhorton wrote:
OMG I can't believe this is King Crimson! Maybe the WORST SONG i ever heard on RP!

 

 
You can't believe this is King Crimson?

Their debut album no less.